Spring is finally here, and it’s time to get your pool ready for a new season of swimming. Before you jump in, there are a few things you should do first.
General Maintenance Checklist
Spring is a great time to get your pool ready for another season of fun and relaxation. Before you can jump in the water, you need to make sure your pump and filtration system are working properly, as well as the chemicals in the water are balanced. You’ll also want to check your pool accessories for wear and tear. If the covers on your skimmer, or any other pool equipment are worn out, you’ll need to replace them as soon as possible. Additionally, you’ll likely need to clean your pool and remove any debris that may have accumulated over the winter. This will help prevent algae growth during the warm weather and allow you to spend more time enjoying your new swimming spot!
Remove The Cover
Before removing the cover from your pool, it’s important to clear away any debris that may have accumulated on top of it over the winter. This includes dead leaves, sticks and twigs. It’s also a good idea to remove any water that collected on the surface. A leaf rake or a skimmer net can help to collect this type of debris. After you’ve cleared it off, drain any remaining water from the pool and allow it to dry. Next, detach the cover from deck anchors and straps around the sides of your pool using a hex driver. Alternatively, you can use a cover removal tool to loosen all springs on each anchor before removing the cover.
Clean The Filter
The pool filter removes a lot of dirt and debris from your water. To keep the filter clean, it’s important to clean it on a regular basis. Before you start cleaning, be sure to read the instructions for your pool filter. You’ll find instructions on how to remove the cartridge, wash it out, and reassemble. Once you’ve gotten all the debris off of the cartridge, it’s time to clean the pleats. To do this, we recommend using an extra strength filter cleaning formula that will help to remove grease and oil from the pleats. After the filter is cleaned, you’ll want to test your water.
Test The Water
When you first open your pool in the spring, it’s important to test the water. This will ensure that the water chemistry is properly balanced to prevent algae growth and other issues. To do this, you’ll need a water test kit or strip. These are inexpensive and easy to use. Some of these strips can test for individual chemicals, while others are multi-purpose. Most are easy to understand and come with a color chart on the back of the bottle. Using a test strip is a simple process: dip one end of the strip into the pool water and wait for 10 seconds. The strip will then read the colors and give you the results. And whether you choose to use test strips, a test kit, or a digital water tester, it’s important to test the water often so that your pool remains crystal clear and safe for swimming. Ideally, you should test the water at least two or three times each week.
Looking For An Upgrade?
If you want to upgrade your current system to make it more energy efficient and easier to maintain, let us help you select the right equipment for your needs. Our pool construction team can install a variety of equipment that is sure to increase your enjoyment of the water in the long term. A new filtration system, a saltwater system or even a new heater can help your pool perform better and save you money on costly maintenance costs. For a beautiful backyard that you can show off and enjoy, call the expert pool builders at Avanti Pools, Inc. today to learn more about the pool features that our swimming pool construction projects offer in Los Angeles, CA!
Automatic pool covers provide a lot of benefits. They are safety, energy, and water conservation devices that pay for themselves quickly. Covers have been shown to reduce evaporation by up to 70%. They also save energy by keeping heat in the water. This makes them an excellent option for colder climates.
• Safety
Automatic pool covers use reels that automatically roll the cover up and back when you press a button. Compared to semi-automatic covers, which require someone to pull on the fabric when unrolling or guide it onto the reel when rolling up, these are a lot more convenient! Automatic pool covers are a great way to protect your pool from children and pets who may accidentally fall into the water. They also help prevent accidental drownings in your pool, which is one of the top causes of death among children under 14. If you have young kids or pets who like to play around the pool, an automatic safety cover can add a layer of protection between them and the water.
• Energy Savings
Almost anyone who has a pool knows how much water you can lose to evaporation. Automatic pool covers curb evaporation and save energy by not allowing heat to escape from the pool. When a cover is in place, the temperature of your pool stays about 10 degrees cooler than it would without one. This can keep your pool water from heating up too quickly during the hot summer months and save on your utility bills.
• Reduced Evaporation
A pool that is uncovered loses a large amount of water because the heat from the sun and air is able to evaporate the water away. This can result in a lot of money being wasted on your water bill. With an automatic cover, you can reduce evaporation by up to 90%! This will save you a lot of money over time!
• Reduced Humidity
Pool covers are a great way to reduce the amount of humidity in your pool. By reducing the evaporation that takes place, you can significantly decrease your pools moisture levels. This can help reduce your heating bills and make your pool more energy efficient. The bottom line is that an automatic pool cover will help keep your pool less humid than it would be if you weren’t using one! This will make it easier for people with respiratory conditions to breathe in the water, and it will help keep your entire home more comfortable.
• Less Chemicals
An automatic pool cover also reduces the amount of chemicals used for pool maintenance. This reduces chemical demand and lowers the cost of pool chemical supplies. It can save up to 70% of the pool’s chlorine demand. In addition, a cover prevents sun rays from drying out the pool’s surface and causing dry rot. However, it’s important to use a UV protectant and material cleaner to extend the life of your cover.
Since the introduction of water treatment, chlorine has been used as the primary method for active disinfection in most homes and commercial properties. This has become a well recognized and accepted germicide by public health authorities, and chlorine is still the sole disinfectant utilized in most water systems today. However, public health agencies nationwide are realizing the need for a more natural alternative to chlorine in water treatment and are calling for a halt to the use of chlorination for all water treatment purposes.
The “Classic” System
CL Free Water Systems “Classic” system is an effective way to sanitize and protect your pool/spa water and provides you with a completely chlorine-free swimming experience. The system is designed to oxidize carbon-based impurities, such as rust and dirt, by creating pure oxygen (hydroxyl) in the water with platinum coated titanium plates. It also kills bacteria and algae while freshening the pool/spa. The “Classic” system has three components: the Flow Chamber, Digital Controller and a Flow Switch. The Flow Chamber contains copper electrodes and platinum coated titanium plates which enable Oxidation and Ionization to keep your pool clear and healthy. The Digital Control Unit is designed to run without any wiring and plugs into a standard 110V outlet, while the Flow Switch turns the Digital Control Unit on and off as the pool pump runs. In addition, the Digital Control Unit comes with a five-way testing kit that measures all of your basic water chemistry. When the pH rises above 7.6, the system automatically adjusts the pH down by injecting CO2 into the pool pump basket. The system is estimated to use 10 lbs of CO2 per 10,000 gallons of water. CO2 tank(s) are not included; local air/gas supply or welding supply is recommended.
The “Classic-Plus” System
CL Free Water Systems “Classic-Plus” system is a hybrid purification system that combines platinum coated titanium plates and copper electrodes with a high-tech Digital Control Unit and Flow Switch to create pure oxygen (hydroxyl), ionize copper, kill algae and keep your pool crystal clear. The aforementioned device is a technologically savvy, low maintenance and cost effective solution to your water problems. Its most noteworthy feature is the ability to show you the pH of your pool water on a computer screen. The aforementioned gadget will also display if the temperature of your pool water is higher or lower than the setting of your Digital Control Unit. This is a must have for any pool owner! It can even save you the hassle of lugging around a test kit.
The “Ultra” System
CL Free Water Systems “Ultra” system is the same as the “Classic-Plus” pool system with one major improvement: it can now display and automatically adjust pH using Co2. Instead of manually mixing liquid Muriatic Acid, which is an acidic solution that lowers pH, the system will inject 20 seconds of Co2 into your pool pump basket every 5 minutes until the pH comes back to 7.3. This is an effective and safe way to reduce your pool pH without having to use chemicals that are not good for you or the environment. The system features an in-line electrolytic Flow Cell, which includes platinum-coated titanium plates and copper electrodes. This in-line filtration process creates pure oxygen (hydroxyl) and ionizes the water to eliminate microbes and algae. The system also includes a Digital Control Unit and a Flow Switch that turns the Flow Cell on and off when your pool pump runs. The Flow Cell is equipped with a five-way testing kit to ensure that all of the basic water balance levels are being maintained. This filtration system is made to be easy to install and maintain, making it a great choice for your home. It is a great alternative to bottled water and will save you money in the long run!
How To Choose The Right Pool Sanitation System For Your Pool
When it comes to keeping your pool clean and safe, you need the right sanitization system. There are many options out there for you to consider, but it is important to choose the right system for your pool, budget and lifestyle. Some of the most common sanitation systems include chlorine, salt water, ozone and UV light. They all work to reduce the amount of chemicals you need to keep your pool clean and sanitized.
Chlorine
Chlorine is a widely used pool sanitation system because it’s inexpensive, easy to use and kills bacteria and algae. But chlorine can also produce a lot of byproducts, like chloramines and trihalomethanes that cause skin and eye irritation to swimmers. So if you’re a chlorine allergy sufferer, or want to save money by not using the harsh chemical, you might need to consider a different system. You can look for a hydroxyl-based AOP (Activated Oxidation Pool) system, which works by oxidizing pool water. This oxidation is so powerful that it reduces the need for chlorine down to drinking-water levels. It can even sanitize hot tubs and spas. However, the newest system is not without its drawbacks. For one, the cyanuric acid (CYA) stabilizer required for the CYA system can build up and make the sanitizer less effective. This makes it a frustrating maintenance nightmare. So many pool owners are looking to other pool sanitizing alternatives.
Salt
Saltwater is another sanitation option, but it has its own set of pros and cons. For instance, saltwater systems are a bit pricey to purchase and maintain. They also require you to monitor water chemistry once or twice a week, depending on your pool’s chemistry balance. This is important because it’s easier to sanitize water that is properly balanced than water that has been over-treated with chlorine or other chemicals. You should also keep an eye on salt levels, especially if you have a salt system. Over-salting is a common problem with these systems.
Ozone
Ozone is a powerful oxidizer that destroys bacteria and other organic matter. It also oxidizes oils, making your pool water softer and safer to swim in. Ozone can be produced in two ways: UV ozone generators and corona discharge systems. Both methods use ultraviolet light or high voltage to turn air into ozone molecules. In the case of a UV ozone generator, air is passed over lamps that emit ultraviolet light at 185 nanometers. The ultraviolet energy splits the oxygen molecules, creating ozone molecules that are then passed into the pool. All and all, ozone is a great option for swimming pools because it can be used to disinfect your pool without the risk of irritating your eyes or skin, or causing respiratory problems. It also helps remove chlorine odors from your pool, leaving you with fresh-smelling water.
UV
UV pool sanitation systems are an effective and safe way to sanitize your pool without chlorine. The ultraviolet light from these lights sanitizes your pool water as it passes through the filtration system, eliminating harmful bacteria and algae as it does so. However, UV lights do not work as an oxidizer, so you still need to add a low level of chlorine or other chemical to sanitize your pool after the ultraviolet system is off.
Copper Silver Ionizer
Another way to sanitize your pool is with a copper silver ionizer. These ionizers use a low electric current to create copper and silver ions in the water. These ions kill algae, bacteria and viruses, but they do not sanitize the water completely. Some chlorine is still needed, as these ionizers don’t kill all of the contaminants that contaminate your pool. They also have a tendency to cause eye and skin irritation. You should consult with a swimming pool professional before installing this system in your pool to determine the best sanitation option for you.
Regardless of whether you have a swimming pool or not, it is always a good idea to know when it is time for maintenance or a remodel. Pool remodeling can include anything from simple resurfacing to a complete rebuild. The goal is to create an outdoor living space that you and your family will love. Here are some of the most noticeable signs that you need to have your pool remodeled:
1. Cloudy Water
If your water looks milky white or cloudy it may be a sign that you need maintenance or a remodel to your pool. Usually the cause of cloudy water is air bubbles. High water pressure is another common cause of cloudy water. The higher the pressure, the easier it is for the water to disperse air and the more air bubbles it can create. Some homeowners may be able to solve the problem with an inexpensive sediment filter. These filters use activated carbon cartridges to trap sediment.
2. Damaged Tiles
If your pool’s tiles look damaged, it may be time to repair or remodel them. These tiles are the protective and decorative elements of a swimming pool, and it’s a sign that you need to take care of them before they become damaged again. To start, you need to drain the pool below your damaged tiles and let them dry completely. This will allow you to access the tiles below the water line, which are easier to repair than those above it.
3. Rust
When the surface of your pool begins to develop rust stains, this is a sign that you need to do some maintenance or remodel. Rust is a type of corrosion that occurs when iron oxidizes and reacts with oxygen. Depending on how it’s formed, the rust can be quite difficult to remove. It can also cause serious problems for the metal that it has formed around, such as the walls of your pool or even the rebar.
4. Cracked Walls
Wall cracks are a common problem that can indicate a need for maintenance or remodel to your swimming pool. They may be caused by roof truss issues, tree roots or structural issues that need addressing. They can also be a sign of foundation problems. If you notice a wide or jagged crack, you should contact a professional to ensure the issue isn’t more serious than it appears. If the cracks are hairline or only surface level, they can be patched with drywall putty and a new coat of paint. But, if they are diagonal or extensive, it is best to call in a qualified building inspector to assess the situation and provide an estimate of potential costs for remediation.
5. Broken Lights
A swimming pool that is in disrepair and has broken lights is a sign that you need to get some maintenance or remodel work done. Whether it is just a few light fixtures or an entire new deck, these changes can bring a whole new look to your pool. One of the most common causes of broken pool lights is a faulty lens gasket. This rubber ring seals the plastic housing unit and is susceptible to warping or rotting due to chlorine exposure over time. Regardless of the reason, the best thing you can do is to take care of it right away. Otherwise, your pool could become a danger to anyone who gets into it!
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How To Prepare Your Pool For Spring
Brand Spotlight – CL Free Water Systems
How To Choose The Right Pool Sanitation System For Your Pool